[NCLUG] AUP, DHCP, and AT&T

Michael Dwyer mdwyer at sixthdimension.com
Mon Dec 10 10:24:39 MST 2001


You know that letter I sent off to AT&T?  I got it back.  Here's 
their standard boiler-plate reply, and my SECOND attempt to actually
get the message read:

-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-

--- "AT&T @Home Customer Care" <Customer.Care at broadband.att.com> wrote:
> AT&T Broadband does not provide static IP addresses. Assigning IP
> addresses has become increasingly cumbersome because the number of
> computer users outnumbers the supply of IP addresses. To resolve this
> issue, network engineers implemented Dynamic Host Configuration
> Protocol (DHCP).  DHCP is being implemented so that more users can be
> supported with fewer IP addresses. For information on how to
> configure you computer for DHCP, please visit:

Yes, I know that.  I understand that.  My question is then about the AUP
paragraph prohibiting dynamic DNS so that I can find my home machine
from remote locations.  What is the point of THAT paragraph, if not to
forbid me access to my own machine?

I'd really appreciate it if that rule could be reconsidered.  All it
does is alienate your customers.  You should know that I am right now
trying my best to find an alternate source of bandwidth -- and not
because of the Excite Chapter 11 thing.  I am actually VERY impressed at
AT&T actions through that mess.  But I NEED an internet service provider
that provides me internet service -- not one that places restrictions on
all my activities.

Thank you again for your time.

> We apologize for any inconvenience. You are a valued customer and we
> appreciate your business.

Right.  Remember that.

> --- Original Message ---
> From: "Michael Dwyer" <mdwyer at timestreamtech.com>
> Received: 12/05/2001 10:59am Mountain Standard Time (GMT - 7:00 )
> To: customer.care at broadband.att.com
> Subject: Potential Customer
> 
> Full Name: Michael Dwyer
> Phone Number: 970/416-9466
> E-mail Address: mdwyer at timestreamtech.com
> Address: 2025 Manchester Drive
> Address 2:
> City: Fort Collins
> State: CO
> ZIP: 80526
> Problem: Potential Customer
> Description: I am deeply concerned about the recent changes to my
> broadband service.  Mostly, my concerns are in response to the
> unavailability of static IP addressing, and the further ban on
> dynamic DNS methods.
> 
> I rely on my home computer being reachable by me at any time.  Your
> complete ban on any possibilty of this functioning, though the loss
> of static IPs and the ban on Dynamic DNS methods seriously degrades
> the use of your service to me.
> 
> I beg you to reconsider.  I assure you that with these policies in
> place, I will be the first to leave your service when another option
> becomes avaiable to me.
> 
> Please consider offering a static service for residential users.
> 
> Thank you for your time.
> 
> END
> HsdRegionId: 190
> 
> 
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